Josephine “Yeng” Constantino, dubbed the Philippine’s pop rock princess, will kick off the Yasalam Beats On The Beach 2016 in Abu Dhabi. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter will headline the opening salvo of the weekend shows on November 24 at the Abu Dhabi Corniche.
“I’ll be singing a lot of my major hits plus a couple of very interesting cover songs,” shares Constantino. “I plan to give our Filipino audience the feeling of being back again in the Philippines even for a short time.”
Constantino was the Grand Star Dreamer in the inaugural season of Pinoy Dream Academy in 2006, the Philippine edition of Endemol’s reality TV show Star Academy. She then went on to record hit songs such as Hawak Kamay, Salamat and Ikaw.
In an email interview, Constantino shares with Gulf News tabloid! her thoughts about the concert and her successful journey in the Philippine music industry.
You are celebrating your tenth year in the industry. How’s the journey so far? What lessons have you learned along the way?
I recently celebrated my 10 years in the business with a musical featuring my original compositions. It’s called Ako Si Josephine. It was something new for me. I’m happy that even after 10 years my songs were given new life in a different platform. It inspired me to keep on pushing the envelope in my music and my career.
How do you maintain your competitiveness in the industry?
By always creating new music and always reinventing myself.
Aside from shows in the Philippines and concerts abroad, what other projects are you working on?
I have three regular TV shows in ABS-CBN. There’s the weekly musical variety show ASAP. I’m a coach in Pinoy Boy Band Superstar (The Philippine’s version of the international talent search La Banda) and I’m one of the judges of the daily singing competition Tawag Ng Tanghalan.
Since you also came from a reality singing competition, what tips can you give to aspiring contestants? What does it take to become a champion or a winner?
My message to them is to always believe in their talent and to learn to identify/focus on their own unique style of music.
What lessons have you learned from being a judge? Who among the contestants or winners do you personally want to mentor and why?
I’ve learned the importance of empathy and also a deeper sense of appreciation for new talents. If only it’s possible, I want to mentor them all.
Aside from singing, do you want to venture into acting and other projects such as musicals on TV?
I had an indie movie before called Shift, which was shown not only in the Philippines but in various film festivals abroad. It was a great experience but due to my already busy schedule, we do not have plans to have another acting project as of the moment.
You also work with other artists such as Kyla, Angeline Quinto and KZ Tandingan. Is billing an issue with you?
Not so much. During our concert together, we all became closer and I see them as my sisters.
Who do you think is your fiercest rival among singers in your generation?
I really do not see my peers in that way. I believe all of us have our place in the industry.
There are so many singing competitions nowadays. If you were to join one, which would it be and why?
I was a product of a talent competition too, Pinoy Dream Academy. So it has to be that show since it’s the one that’s started it all for me.
Your husband is also a singer. Is there any collaboration you want to do in the future?
We already had a collaboration in one of my albums. Hopefully there would be more soon.
You’ve written many songs. Which one is your favourite and why?
I consider all my songs as my children. I really cannot pick up one.
Quickfire
Can you share 3 things fans may not know about you?
I’m a vegan. I’m an introvert. I love cats.
The song of your life.
Don’t Stop Believing.
The song that best describes you.
Roar.
Describe your husband in a song.
Ikaw.
Your biggest fear as a singer.
Not being able to sing and compose music.
Don’t miss it
Yeng Constantino performs at the free Beats on the Beach concert series at the Abu Dhabi corniche on November 24. She will be joined by Dubai hip-hop collective S. O. S, Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan and UK rap duo Krept & Konan. The evening will also see performances by the Top 3 finalists of the annual Emerging Talent Competition.
